overlap
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to cover part of another object by resting on top of its edge.
v.to extend over and partly cover something else. Often used as a transitive verb or an intransitive verb with 'with'.
Simple“The roof tiles overlap each other so that rain cannot get through.”
In context“The geologist noted that the sedimentary layers overlap at the edge of the basin, indicating a period of rising sea levels.”
Synonymsoverliecover - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to happen at the same time or to share some of the same ideas.
v.to have an area, range, character, or time period in common. Frequently used in academic contexts to describe shared theoretical or temporal space.
Simple“Our jobs overlap a bit because we both work on the same project.”
In context“The two historical eras overlap by nearly a decade, creating a transitional period where both old and new social norms existed simultaneously.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the part of something that covers another thing, or the amount of shared interest.
n.the amount or degree to which two things cover each other or share common elements.
Simple“There is a lot of overlap between the two science courses.”
In context“The study identified a significant overlap in the symptoms of the two conditions, making an accurate diagnosis difficult for general practitioners.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a situation in a game where one team has more players in an area than the other team.
n.a tactical situation in which the attacking side outnumbers the defensive line in a specific area of the field.
Simple“The team missed a great chance because they didn't use the overlap on the left wing.”
In context“By drawing the central defenders out of position, the winger created a two-man overlap that led directly to the winning goal.”
Synonymsnumerical advantage
Usage considerable overlap
“The end of that job overlapped with his beginnings as a director.”
“Happily for them, there is normally no overlap in their work.”
From over- + lap. Cognate with Dutch overlap.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.